SQUARE ENIX SHIPS REMASTERED EDITION OF FINAL FANTASY TO RETAIL
Square Enix Celebrates 20th Anniversary of FINAL FANTASY with Launch Party at PlayStation® Store @ Metreon in San Francisco Today
Los Angeles (June 26, 2007)
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that FINAL FANTASY®, completely remastered exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, is now shipping to retail outlets across North America. FINAL FANTASY is the global phenomenon that has spawned numerous sequels and has led to more than 75 million units in worldwide shipments. Commemorating 20 years of success, accolades and achievements, this all-new edition contains a wealth of new content, allowing fans to take the best treatment of the timeless classic anywhere their real-life adventures may take them.
"It is amazing to see how much video games and the video game industry have evolved over the past 20 years," said Executive Producer Shinji Hashimoto. "With a lot of creativity and the aid of tremendous technological advancements, we have been able to recreate the classic FINAL FANTASY for PSP system, allowing fans to experience new adventures with their favorite characters - and hopefully look forward to 20 more years of unforgettable FINAL FANTASY moments."
To observe 20 years of the FINAL FANTASY video game franchise, Square Enix is hosting an exclusive launch party to celebrate the release of FINAL FANTASY and the upcoming release of the remastered edition of FINAL FANTASY II, which will ship to retailers on July 24th. The event will take place at the PlayStation Store @ Metreon in San Francisco today, June 26th at 6:00 p.m. Event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase FINAL FANTASY and be amongst the first to experience FINAL FANTASY II, also developed exclusively for the PSP system. Additionally, the first 100 fans in attendance will receive a giveaway item exclusive to the event.
About FINAL FANTASY
Originally released in Japan in 1987, FINAL FANTASY has been hailed by gamers and critics as one of the first RPGs to create a fantasy world that captured the imagination of players around the globe. Each game has brought new worlds and characters together with impressive graphics and storylines that have evolved into a one-of-a-kind series with a massive worldwide following. With unique characters, vast worlds and compelling storylines, the FINAL FANTASY series has generated its own subculture with the release of 30 console, online and handheld games, two CG-animated films and 49 music soundtracks worldwide.
Remastered as two separate titles exclusively for the PSP system, FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II are timeless classics that created the blueprints for the future of RPGs. These all-new anniversary editions contain the best treatment of the classic RPGs and feature all-new character art, updated graphics, new dungeons, full 16:9 widescreen presentation and an updated camera view that gives players a new vantage point on two of the greatest RPGs ever made.
In FINAL FANTASY, the tale begins when four young warriors, each possessing a Crystal, are summoned to bring the world back to a harmonious elemental balance. During their voyage, they discover a nefarious entity has created turmoil in the structure of time in order to take control of the world, causing the heroes to travel to places they never imagined possible.
In FINAL FANTASY II, a malevolent emperor has called upon monsters from a demonic realm to take over the world, ending what seemed to be an eternal period of peace. Thousands of lives succumb to their attacks, leaving many children orphaned. From the destruction rise four young survivors who will take it upon themselves to stop the merciless ruler and avenge the death of their parents.
FINAL FANTASY is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). FINAL FANTASY II is rated T (Teen) and will ship to retailers on July 24, 2007. For more information about the ESRB, please visit www.esrb.org. The anniversary editions of FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II will be available separately at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $29.99 (USD) each.
For more information on the launch party, please visit http://na.square-enix.com/ffanniversary/.
About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix), with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Asia, North America and Europe. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises - FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 75 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 41 million units worldwide - under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, California and Seattle, Washington. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing, and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com.
DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, the FINAL FANTASY logo, SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.